Method and Apparatus for Reliable Communications in Underground and Hazardous Areas

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for reliable wireless voice, data and location communication for deployment in underground, industrial and other hazardous environments using a wireless mesh network. The network includes protocol for dispatch operation, emergency operation, remote supervision, remote status, asset control, machine state of health and operational management. The architecture is based on localized clusters of autonomous nodes capable of ad hoc interconnection with nearby nodes and connection to gateway nodes. The resulting network is an ad hoc mesh topology comprised of fixed mesh nodes with approximately 50% coverage overlap between nodes. This provides a reliable communication network for mobile nodes carried by personnel and sensor nodes that are fixed or mobile that supports voice, data and tracking/situation awareness. Each cluster of nodes transfers digital voice and data to gateway nodes either directly or through multi-hop transactions.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an intrinsically safe wireless voiceand data communication system developed for use in underground andhazardous areas for dispatch, remote supervision, and tracking ofpersonnel, as well as, monitoring, asset control, and management ofwireless sensors and equipment. More specifically, it provides for thecreation of a reliable wireless ad hoc mesh network architecture andprotocol to support normal and emergency operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recent events have emphasized the need for reliable communicationsystems during emergencies in underground and hazardous work areas suchas coal mines. During a mine disaster, the current voice and datacommunication system usually fails or is shut down to prevent anexplosion so the conditions of personnel, environment and equipment inthe area is unknown which complicate recovery efforts. Past miningaccidents have demonstrated that current communication systems are notsufficient to provide the support required to effectively handleevacuation and rescue operations. The 2006 MINER Act amends the FederalMine safety and Health Act of 1977 stating underground coal mineoperators must provide for post accident communication betweenunderground and surface personnel via a wireless two-way medium withinthree years. The 2006 MINER Act also requires an electronic trackingsystem in order for surface personnel to determine the location of anyperson trapped underground. Robust and reliable communications arecritical for both normal operations and in the event of an emergency.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)released a solicitation in late 2006 for an underground communicationsystem that is highly reliable and provides in-mine and mine-to-surfacevoice and data communications based on wireless mesh network technologyas part of an underground communications system.

Methods of wireless communications above ground are not effective inmines, tunnels and other underground facilities due to the environmentand limited radio wave propagation. Prior art communication systems forunderground use include Leaky Feeder systems, wireline repeater systems,wireless repeaters systems and through-earth radio systems.

Leaky Feeder systems consist of one or more base stations above groundwith leaky feeder coax cable below ground that distributes an RF signalbetween above ground base stations and mobile radios below ground toprovide voice and data communications to personnel. The Leaky Feedersystem has built in RF amplifiers at regular intervals in the coax cableto extend the distance that can be covered by the system. The distancefrom the Leaky Feeder cable to a mobile radio in an underground mine islimited to 50-150 feet depending on location of the RF amplifier and theenvironment. The Leaky Feeder base stations are connected to anOperations Center above ground. In the event of a disaster, Leaky Feedercoax cable is often damaged underground which prevents communicationsfrom the base stations to the mobile radios. Unless the Leaky Feedersystem is approved by Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) foroperating in a hazardous environment, it is automatically shut downduring an emergency.

Wireline RF repeater communication systems operate similarly to LeakyFeeder systems except a low loss coax cable interconnects to a series ofunderground RF repeaters which communicate with the mobile radios. Inthe event of a disaster, the wired system is often damaged undergroundthat prevents communication. Wireline RF Repeater systems have beenreplaced by Leaky Feeder system because the Leaky Feeder is more costeffective.

Wireless repeater systems are similar to wireline repeater systemsexcept the low loss coax cable is replaced with wireless links tounderground RF repeaters which can improve the link reliability in eventof a disaster. However, all communications are still controlled by theaboveground base stations. If that connection is missing, undergroundcommunications are lost since the below ground units are simplyrepeaters.

Through-earth radio systems that operate at very low frequency have beenexperimented with but have not been proven to be reliable and costeffective. No single prior art for use in a underground mine orhazardous area has the ability to provide a reliable voice and datacommunications network, reform and provide redundant paths, interface towired communications, and provide location information of personnel inthe hazardous area as specified by 2006 Miner Act and NIOSH.

Existing wireless mesh networking with an IP network layer include theIEEE 802.11 standard and IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth). Both standardtechnologies perform an excellent role for which they were designed.However, the link protocols do not form the desired network topology toachieve an optimal mesh deployment solution. The use of the 2.4 GHzunlicensed RF spectrum band allows fast deployment anywhere, anytime,but may not meet reliability requirements for critical communications.These bands are not dedicated and can be jammed by other commercialusers. In addition, operation in the 2.4 GHz band provides a higher costsolution due to less RF coverage per FMN in an underground environment.

Thus, there is a need to develop a cost effective wireless communicationsystem with reliable underground voice and data network. Anintrinsically safe low cost wireless ad hoc mesh network with batterybackup and approval for deployment in hazardous environments can achievesuch a solution. A complete wireless communication network includes meshnetwork routers that operate below ground with access points aboveground that connect to external networks to provide dispatch,collaborative detection, location, assessment, and tracking duringemergency events as well as normal operation.

Nevertheless, there are several technical issues with current wirelessnetworks which need to be addressed: high reliability networkarchitecture, placement of fixed wireless nodes for reliable coverage,scalability to support a large network, selection of radio RF frequency,and waveform protocol for communication and tracking of personnel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system and method for maintaining reliablevoice and data communications with personnel and sensors within theunderground or hazardous area and also with a remote operation centerduring an event that requires shut down of normal operations. The systemallows rescue teams to determine personnel status, where personnel arelocated, and environment conditions such as water, toxic gases, andoxygen availability in the underground or hazardous area.

The system provides an automatically self-configuring, scalable RFwireless data and voice communications system of multi-waveform nodesorganized within at least one ad hoc wireless mesh network (WMN). Thissystem is a reliable low cost wireless communication network for digitalvoice and data applications. The system includes at least one operationscenter for each WMN which incorporates a wide area network and networkmanagement and communication capabilities. At least one gateway nodeprovides an interface from the WMN to the operations center. Eachgateway node may also be connected to a wired backbone head end which,in turn, is connected to a wired backbone. A plurality of wireless fixedmesh nodes are operationally connected to at least one gateway. Thesystem further includes at least one mobile mesh radio carried bypersonnel which communicate with at least one of the plurality of fixedmesh nodes. In addition, at least one wireless sensor mesh node isprovided in the system which may be located in an underground orhazardous area.

The method of this invention relates to a process for managing ascalable communications system of multi-waveform nodes within at leastone wireless mesh network that incorporates at least one fixed gatewaynode. The WMN also includes a plurality of stationary and mobile nodes.All of the nodes are initially configured to provide a known combinationof waveforms and features. The locations of the gateway nodes andstationary nodes are optimized based on signal strength of the RF linksand the traffic profile. Then, the location of each mobile node isdetermined based on a geolocation algorithm. Once operation commences,the functioning of each WMN is supervised to ensure reliable operationof the nodes and to identify traffic congestion. If either of theseproblems is encountered, the nodes in the relevant WMN may bereconfigured manually or from the operation center.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages of the inventionwill be better understood from the following detailed description of theinvention with reference to the drawings, in which

FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of a wireless voice and data mesh networkdeployment in a logical design block diagram view according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the concept of a wireless voice and data mesh networkdeployment for a coal mine application according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the concept of a Fixed Mesh Node in a logical designblock diagram view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the concept of a Gateway Node in a logical designdiagram block view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the concept of a Mobile Mesh Node in a logical designdiagram block view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the concept of a Sensor Mesh Node in a logical designblock diagram view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the concept of a Wireless Mesh Network Management ina logical design block diagram view according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mechanism for a scalable network basedon a Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) 100, as shown in FIG. 1, having amulti-tier structure of nodes to provide voice and data communications,and detect and track events. The fixed mesh nodes (FMN) 102 provide thelocal access points and act as relays for information to among themobile mesh radios (MMR) 101 and the sensor mesh nodes (SMN) 103. Inaddition, Gateway Nodes (GWN) 104 operate above ground or sufficientlyaway from the hazardous area to provide interface to an external networkfor access to equipment in the Operations Center 105. GWN 104 provides astandard interface to a data network.

The present invention provides a self-forming wireless mesh network(WMN) 100 particularly suited for use in an underground or hazardousarea that is formed of wireless nodes and can take advantage of existingwired links. The WMN is formed from the FMN, SMN, MMR and GWN. The WMNprovides communications between multiple MMR's that support voice anddata and SMN's that support data. The GWN provides externalcommunication interface to the Operations Center 105 for command andcontrol. This allows personnel in the operations center to communicatewith personnel in the underground or hazardous area, collect data fromthe sensor nodes in the area, provide voice dispatch, displayinformation about the network and locations of MMR's. In an emergencyevent, the operations personnel can perform an assessment and then makedecisions based on the knowledge. It also allows underground personnelwith MMR's to continue communication with each other and with SMN'sindependent of the above ground connection.

The wireless voice and data network of the present invention isillustrated in a logical design block diagram form in FIG. 1 wherein anumber of intercommunicating nodes form a wireless mesh network (WMN)100 that can reform when links are removed or blocked. The Fixed MeshNode (FMN) 102 and Sensor Mesh Node (SMN) 103 units are designed to becontinuously charged during normal operation and utilize a backup powersource such as a battery in the event normal power is interrupted.Because of the potentially explosive atmosphere that can be present inan underground mine or hazardous area, typically all power feeding intothe area is removed if a disaster or emergency occurs, thus the need fora backup power source local to the mesh nodes. Mobile Mesh Radio (MMR)101 is battery-powered because it is intended to be a portable device.Each Gateway Node (GWN) 104, of which there is at least one, can havemains power and backup power. Since the Gateway Node is typically in a“safe” area, a battery backup may not be required. Other units such as amobile pager, tracking tag or equipment data node may be added to WMN100 if necessary or useful, and this invention is not limited to thenode types specifically mentioned.

A significant aspect of the present invention is the provision ofwireless voice and data communications using an intrinsically safe lowcost ad hoc mesh network. The wireless network can be used forcommunications where conventional wireless devices such as cell phonesor emergency mobile radios designed for above ground “line of sight” areuseless or of limited value at best. Characteristics of the wirelessvoice and data network include:

-   -   integrated voice and data communications;    -   quick and easy deployment of fixed mesh nodes;    -   reliable data link operation;    -   maintaining reliable network operation with loss of one or more        mesh nodes or paths;    -   flexibility for different deployment scenarios;    -   automatic adjustment to multiple background environments;    -   support for both pre and post-event scenarios;    -   comprehensive event detection, assessment and tracking;    -   data security and physical security;    -   multiple wireless sensor types that operate with the mesh        network; and    -   centralized operation for dispatch, failure detection,        maintenance, configuration and software upgrades;

1. Network Architecture

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a reliablevoice and data network, illustrated in FIG. 1, as a flexiblearchitecture that serves as a communication platform for multipledeployment scenarios and sensor types. A Wireless Mesh Network 100,according to a preferred embodiment, can be deployed to cover anunderground mine as shown in FIG. 2, in which the square blocksrepresent pillars found at the site, used in tunnels or forinfrastructure pathways under a city or at a manufacturing site. FixedMesh Nodes (FMN) 102 form the basic voice and data wireless meshnetwork. The FMN's are placed at pre-determined locations throughout amine or other hazardous area to provide communication with MMR's andSMN's. Each Fixed Mesh Node (FMN) 102 in the network acts as a“micro-router,” and passes data from node to node. The FMN's act asrelays for MMR's and SMN's that are in various locations in theunderground or hazardous area. Typically, Fixed Mesh Nodes 102 havemultiple mesh radio channels and are placed throughout a mine or otherarea to provide approximately 50% coverage overlap between nodes in amanner as to provide both wide coverage and multiple communicationlinks. Thus, FMN's are placed in such a manner that if a nearestneighbor node becomes incapacitated, there is sufficient transmit powerand receive sensitivity to connect with the next neighbor. Because thereare numerous paths in the wireless mesh network, there are multiplepaths to ultimately connect to a Gateway Node (GWN) 104. In addition,each FMN 102 can also connect through the wired backbone network 107which in the illustrated embodiment is a Leaky Feeder system that isalready in place. Network 107 is indicated as a thick line in FIG. 2 andmay be implemented as a radiating coaxial cable with periodicamplifiers. The Leaky Feeder system normally operates at a different RFfrequency spectrum than the Wireless Mesh Network. Mobile Mesh Radios101 have one mesh radio channel and are carried by personnel for voiceand data communications. The location of mobile mesh radios can bedetermined via triangulation methods based on signal strength and/ortime of arrival measurements relative to the nearest active FMN 102.Sensor Mesh Nodes 103 also have one mesh radio channel and are placedwhere needed to monitor conditions, and over a wide enough area toprovide information throughout the deployed area. For example, multiplewireless sensors nodes may be used to track one or more events to takean air sample and measure its properties. Each Gateway Node 104typically has multiple mesh radio channels and provides an interface toan external wide area network. The fundamental capability of thewireless mesh network, in a preferred embodiment, is real-time operationcapability and reliability. The system possesses the capability torapidly detect, locate, characterize, report, track, and respond toevents. Key aspects of this preferred embodiment are low cost,deployment flexibility of the system, seamless scalability from small tolarge networks, network redundancy, and reliability of communications ifpart of the network is removed by some event, especially a localizedexplosion, fire, flood, or collapse.

In a preferred embodiment, Gateway Nodes 104 are placed at two or moreentry ways and in multiple paths to integrate the Wireless Mesh Network(WMN) 100 into public or private communication infrastructure types suchas cellular, land mobile radio, wired IP or wireless IP access points.These GWN's 104 are typically spatially separated to provide reliableconnection to the external network, although a system with one GWN isfeasible. Knowing FMN locations and measuring the distance between anMMR and nearest FMN's, it is possible to determine the relative locationof an MMR as well as communicate with a person carrying the MMR. Examplecommunication standards for the communication infrastructure includecellular, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, Project 25, Ethernet, cable modems,and DSL. The Gateway Node provides transparent communications acrossdifferent physical layers. In FIG. 2 only one Gateway Node 104 is shownwhile a second or more gateway nodes are assumed to exist at other entrypoints but are not shown.

In a preferred embodiment, Gateway Node 104 can dynamically re-assignand reconfigure the communication infrastructure medium based onavailable services. When one network is at capacity, unavailable, ordamaged, a GWN can automatically re-route to information via analternate protocol.

Also in a preferred embodiment, local servers in the at least oneOperations Center 105 provide node network management functions such asDynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) for Internet Protocol (IP)address assignment, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for devicecontrol, and security through an Electronic Key Management System(EKMS). Provisioning of the network bandwidth and network trafficoptimization that is unique to the WMN clusters is controlled from thelocal server. The provisioning ensures sufficient Quality of Service(QoS) is maintained in the local wireless mesh network WMN such thatvoice and data during high traffic events do not flood the availablebandwidth on the infrastructure communication system.

2. Wireless Mesh Local Area Network Architecture

The system and method of the present invention provides a voice and datanetwork to supply above ground and underground personnel with voicecommunication, event detection information, and personnel locationinformation, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, fourtypes of nodes are provided in the network.

Full function Fixed Mesh Node (FMN) 102, illustrated in logical designblock diagram form in FIG. 3, operates on the WMN 100. Each FMN 102 hasthe capability to coordinate individual piconets (subnets) within thewireless mesh network WMN 100 and route data through the network to GWN104 access points. A FMN 102 can operate from an AC or DC power sourceand may include battery backup. Most often in a mine or hazardous area,the back-up power source is a sealed battery in a hardened case. The FMNcan also communicate with a wired network such as the leaky feedersystem common in mines as well as form the core links for the wirelessmesh network WMN 100.

Gateway Node (GWN) 104, illustrated in logical design block diagram formin FIG. 4, supports the transfer of information between the WMN and widearea network WAN infrastructure. It is a highly modular design that isnormally implemented as a fixed device but could be a mobile device. AGWN includes all of the functions of an FMN and the wide area networkinterface. It operates from either an AC or DC power source which mayfurther include battery backup.

Mobile Mesh Radio (MMR) 101, as illustrated in logical design blockdiagram form in FIG. 5, is a portable device carried by personnel thatallows them voice and data to communication via the FMN and GWN withOperations Center 105 and/or other personnel equipped with an MMR. AnMMR can also provide direct communication to another MMR or SMN when anFMN or GWN link is not available.

Sensor Mesh Node (SMN) 103, as illustrated in logical design blockdiagram form in FIG. 6, connects data from various types of sensors suchas light, noxious gas, acoustic, temperature, oxygen, and imagingsensors into the wireless mesh network by communicating via an FMN orGWN. The SMN operates on AC or DC power with battery power for backup.This does not preclude portable versions of an SMN that are batterypowered only which could be additions in emergency situations or forflexibility in other situations. An SMN can also communicate directly toan MMR when an FMN or GWN link is not available.

FMN 102 obtains information such as distance and unit identificationfrom MMR's 101 and SMN's 103. This information is passed through thenetwork to Operations Center 105 and the computer in Operations Center105 is then able to provide a visible indication to the operator as tothe location of these units.

FMN 102 is powered from a DC power source with battery backup at a fixedlocation. FMN 102 are mid-tier nodes capable of operating as apeer-to-peer architecture. FMN's provide piconet coordination andinterconnect to any wired backbone such as a leaky feeder. The FMN andGWN nodes possess sufficient processing capabilities to performcorrelation of sensor detection data thus increasing the probability ofdetection while decreasing the probability of false positives. They alsoprovide relative location information necessary to locate the MobileMesh Radios (MMR) 101 and portable Sensor Mesh Nodes (SMN) 103 thatmight be present. A Mobile FMN 102 powered from a battery is useful inmaintaining the wireless mesh network WMN 100 connection in an emergencyevent where mesh network coverage is expanded. The mobile FMN shouldprovide at least 24 hours of operation on fully charged battery.

GWN 104 is a high tier node that is powered from commercial AC withbattery backup in fixed location. A networked GWN provides a veryflexible design for use in multiple scenarios where it is necessary tomaintain connectivity between WMN 100 and a wide area network andOperations Center 105. A backup mobile GWN 104 powered from a battery orDC feed is useful in maintaining a WMN 100 connection to a wide areanetwork and Operations Center 105.

Mobile Mesh Radios MMR 101 are mid-tier, battery powered portabledevices. Each person has an MMR for communication. The MMR hascapability for supporting voice by converting the audio input tooutgoing digital data, and incoming voice data to audio. The MMR hascapability for supporting data by converting keypad inputs to outgoingdigital data, and converting incoming data to an alphanumeric display,audio tones or visual indicator. Use scenarios for these nodes includevoice and data exchange with other users and dispatch, and MMR locationrelative to FMN/Gateway. MMR communications are coordinated throughFixed Mesh Nodes FMN or Gateway Nodes GWN. The battery can be easilyremoved for charging or replacement. MMR's can communicate with otherMMR's and SMN's in talk-around mode to allow local communication whenout of range of an FMN. An MMR can also act as a relay link betweenanother MMR and a FMN, or between an SMN and a FMN to extendcommunication range.

Sensor Mesh Nodes SMN 103 are low tier, low cost, small size, and lowpower devices. SMN's are deployed at fixed locations and coupled withlow cost, low power sensors. Use scenarios for these nodes includewireless sensors for environmental monitoring, event detection, andpost-event tracking. Communication with SMN's are coordinated throughFMN 102, GWN 104 or MMR 101. This configuration forms a classicmaster-slave star topology between a higher tier node and SMN 103. Amobile SMN 103 powered from a battery is conceived as a useful aid forevent detection, smart tags to track mobile equipment and assets orrapid placement of fixed sensors for event detection, post-eventtracking, and environmental monitoring. Mobile SMN 103 should provide atleast 24 hours of operation on fully charged battery.

Reliable communications for a wireless voice and data network areprovided by combining a reliable and secure RF physical layer with anad-hoc networking data link layer that is self-configuring, energyefficient, and scaleable to variable size networks. The communicationsolution of this preferred embodiment:

ensures a reliable and secure RF physical layer connection;

exercises adaptable, interoperable waveforms that can satisfy manydifferent deployment scenarios; and

provides data link layer ad hoc networking that supports priorityservice, collaborative sensor fusion, and scalability to variable sizenetworks.

The core communication functionality of each node type is effectivelythe same, but each tier progressively increases capability at theexpense of increased cost and power consumption. The core frameworklayer provides a standardized technique for packaging to voice and datapackets for proper interpretation at all layers of the system. The corenode stack follows the standard OSI model commonly found in mostInternet-enabled devices. The key layers that require unique attentionfor the present invention are the physical layer, the ad-hoc link layer,and core framework layer. Choice of physical layer determinescommunication range, synchronization, power consumption, node cost,interference immunity (thus reliability), multipath performance, anddata rate. The ad-hoc link layer controls automatic formation of thenetwork topology, power control, and maintenance of reliable linkconnections within the network.

A key requirement for a reliable network solution is a distributedarchitecture and redundancy. Multiple data paths to decision-makingauthorities are required to ensure critical communications are achieved.The network of FMN's 102 of the present invention can be considered anetwork of micro-routers. Routing in the context of micro-routers facesmany of the same challenges of traditional routers such as routingdecisions, route discovery/repair, flow control, power control, etc.However, the size, power consumption, throughput, and processingcapabilities of a micro-router are orders of magnitude smaller than atraditional router.

Ad-hoc networking protocols provide mechanisms for automaticconfiguration, rapid deployment, self-healing and redundant data routes,range extension, and energy efficient communications. The ad-hoc networkpasses data node-to-node throughout the network. This capabilityprovides range extension and allows all fixed or mobile nodes tocommunicate with any other node in the network. The result is a highlyredundant network with multiple routes to gateways that interface toexisting infrastructure communication systems. Information isdistributed to the responders roaming within the network and passed toOperations Center 105 via one or more Gateway Nodes 104. Gateway Nodes104 are similar to Fixed Mesh Nodes 102 with added interfacecapabilities and software to support stack translation between variousprotocols. This arrangement achieves a totally integrated, widelydistributed dispatch operation that serves as a communication platformfor multiple sensor types and also serves as a rapid informationdissemination system. Decision information passed back through thenetwork or through traditional response channels provides on-scenecommanders the best response information. Digital voice traffic ishandled as special data with guaranteed delivery. In an alternativeembodiment, data can also be passed to information signs, and can beused for coordination of entry and exit from the underground orhazardous area.

A limitation of a wireless mesh communication system is that each FMNnode 102 adds a time delay to the voice and data packet of information.The system of this invention provides an additional interface via WiredBackbone 107 to limit the communications delay to an Operations Center105. Each FMN node 102 has the capability of connecting to WiredBackbone 107 which may be implemented via a Leaky Feeder system or fiberoptic system.

3. Multi-Waveform Nodes

In a preferred embodiment, the wireless voice and data network providesvoice dispatch, data monitoring, and data control to detect and trackevents using widely distributed nodes organized as one or more ad hoclocal area networks. The wireless voice and data network has four typesof nodes

-   -   Gateway Node (GWN) 104;    -   Fixed Mesh Node (FMN) 102;    -   Mobile Mesh Radio (MMR) 101; and    -   Sensor Mesh Node (SMN) 103.

A preferred embodiment of the WMN nodes employs a software defined radioto leverage advanced processing technology to effectively replacemultiple radios that support specific waveforms with one radio thatsupports multiple waveforms. This technology is based on a widebandtransceiver coupled with a programmable processor and a standardsoftware environment such that the radio can support multiple waveformsvia software control. The system and method of the present inventionthrough provision of an adaptable solution comprising a single hardwareplatform that supports multiple commercial waveforms in a softwaredefined wideband RF transceiver implementation resolve the absence ofdedicated spectrum, open physical layer, licensed spectrum availabilityand interference concerns in unlicensed bands. The waveforms supportedin a preferred embodiment leverage existing wireless local area networkwaveforms to provide coverage in a time frame and at cost points notattainable with multiple independent solutions.

Gateway Node

Each Gateway node 104 comprises an embedded processor, one or more meshradios, optional Leaky Feeder radios, managed Ethernet switch, wide areanetwork interface, to battery and power supply. Each such node processesWireless Mesh Network voice and data packets and transfers informationvia the wide area network to Operations Center 105.

The logical decomposition of functionality of a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. The embedded processorincludes first digital General Purpose Processor (GPP) 401 and firstLocation Engine 402. An acceptable digital GPP for use wherever suchequipment is called for in this invention would be a processor such asthe Texas Instrument MSP430 or the Renesas M16C microcontroller. Eachfirst mesh radio transceiver 403 includes a transmitter, receiver, RFswitch and antenna connection. An acceptable mesh radio transceiver foruse wherever such equipment is called for in this invention would be theSentinel design offered by Innovative Wireless Technologies. Each firstLeaky Feeder radio transceiver 404 includes a transmitter, receiver, RFswitch and RF cable connection to Wired Backbone Head-end 106. Anacceptable leaky radio transceiver for use wherever such equipment iscalled for in this invention would be the Sentinel design offered byInnovative Wireless Technologies, while an acceptable wired backbonehead end would be an Intrinsically Safe Leaky Feeder system such as thatoffered by Varis Mine Technologies or an Intrinsically Safe Fiber Opticsystem such as that offered by R. Stahl. The power interface includesbackup battery 405, trickle charger/power management 406 and wired powerinterface 407. During the loss of prime power, GWN 104 is capable ofoperating on battery power and retaining all configuration parametersstored or in operation at the time. The managed Ethernet Switch 408provides a packet management switch between GPP 401 and wide areanetwork interface 409. Each wide area network interface 409 includes oneor more of the following: wired interface, fiber interface and wirelessinterface.

Physical interfaces are as follows:

-   -   Power I/O includes DC power, ground, and temperature sensor to        power interface;    -   Wide area network I/O includes DC power, ground, and data where        the actual interface will be dependent on the specific standard;    -   Mesh Radio I/O includes power, ground, RF signal; and    -   Leaky Feeder Radio I/O includes power, ground, RF signal.        There are also board level serial and/or Ethernet connections        for software development, debug and factory programming.

First GPP 401 is the primary controller for the Gateway node. From acontroller perspective it handles all power up initialization,configuration, diagnostics, and all dynamic configuration control forthe sensor board. From a data processing perspective it effectivelyhandles the media access control (MAC) layer processing and upperlayers. Data received from the sensor comes directly to first GPP 401.The sensor application data is packaged in the appropriate format,stored, and transferred over a link when queried. Error correction codesare used to encode transmit data and correct bit errors in the receiveddata. A modulation block provides channelization between piconets andcan also be used as a spreading code. A data decode block keeps framesynchronization and uses the modulation codes to perform the appropriatechannel decode.

Processing intensive operations are handled in first Location Engine402. First GPP 401 in general does the decision-making about what to dowith a data frame and control the timing, whereas first Location Engine402 handles the data processing algorithms.

In a preferred embodiment, Gateway nodes (GWN) 104 support a network of:

-   -   nodes scattered in pseudo random fashion including GWN 104, FMN        102, MMR 101 and SMN 103 nodes;    -   Route table for IP addresses;    -   multiple environments above and below ground level;    -   Internet standard IPv4 and IPv6;    -   standard Internet protocols including DNS and DHCP for automatic        provisioning;    -   Internet standard NTP for network time distribution;    -   Internet standard SNMP for record-keeping, fault reporting,        diagnostics, application download and configuration;    -   providing the MIB II in accordance with RFC 1213 and registered        with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) as a private        enterprise MIB, structured in accordance with the Structure of        Management Information (SMI) and its objects encoded with        International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) Abstract        Syntax Notation One (ASN.1) method using the Basic Encoding        Rules (BER) to provide access to the functions and associated        variables that support configuration, control, and monitor        functions;    -   Internet security standards for authorization, authentication,        encryption, and key management;    -   private key management;    -   advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption standards; and    -   FIP-140-2 Level 1 compliance.

GWN node 104 operates on WAN 409 and Wireless Mesh 100 at the same timewithout degradation of specified performance of any operating waveform.GWN node 104 allows automatic retransmission and routing operationsbetween waveforms. GWN node 104 is able to receive a GPS signal from anexternal GPS receiver to establish location.

GWN 104 operates with commercial equipment when standard waveforms areselected. In a preferred embodiment, the Gateway Node supports data forthe following wide area network waveforms:

-   -   IP over wire such as Ethernet, Cable and DSL;    -   IP over Fiber; and    -   Other WAN communication such as Satellite, Land mobile radio        system, Cellular data for multiple standards, or Broadband        Wireless.        The wireless voice and data network could be adapted to future        developed WAN waveforms.

In a preferred embodiment, each GWN 104 supports data and voice for thefollowing commercial Wireless Mesh waveforms and licensed Wireless Meshwaveforms with variations for the ad hoc mesh:

-   -   IEEE 802.11;    -   IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth);    -   IEEE 802.15.3a (ultra wideband);    -   IEEE 802.15.4;    -   IEEE 802.15.4a (ultra wideband); and    -   IEEE 802.16        The wireless voice and data network could be adapted to future        developed Wireless Mesh waveforms. The waveforms support quality        of service (QoS) to allow mixing of data types such as data,        video and digital voice on the wireless voice and data network.

In a preferred embodiment, GWN node 104 supports one or moreinstantiations of Wireless Mesh Network 100 waveforms and one or moreinstantiations of WAN 409 waveforms simultaneously. GWN node 104 maysupport a primary and secondary WAN 409 waveform. There is no data losswhen GWN 104 switches between the primary and secondary waveforms. Itautomatically switches to the secondary when the primary is notavailable. It automatically switches from the secondary to the primarywhen the primary is available.

Fixed Mesh Node

Each Fixed Mesh Node 102 comprises an embedded processor, one or moremesh radios, optional Leaky Feeder radios, battery and power supply.Each node processes voice and data packets and transfers information viathe wireless mesh network to other FMN's and GWN's. Each node processesvoice and data packets and transfers information via the Leaky Feederradios to a Wired Backbone 107. Network 107 is indicated as a thick linein FIG. 2 and may be implemented as a radiating coaxial cable withperiodic amplifiers.

The logical decomposition of functionality of a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The embedded processorincludes a second digital General Purpose Processor (GPP) 301 and secondLocation Engine 302. Each second mesh radio transceiver 303 includes atransmitter, receiver, RF switch and antenna connection. Each secondLeaky Feeder radio transceiver 304 includes a transmitter, receiver, RFswitch and antenna connection. The power interface includes backupbattery 305, trickle charger/power management 306 and wired powerinterface 307. During the loss of prime power, FMN 102 is capable ofoperating on battery power and retaining all configuration parametersstored or in operation at the time.

Physical interfaces are as follows:

-   -   Power I/O includes DC power, ground, and temperature sensor to        power interface;    -   Mesh Radio I/O includes power, ground, RF signal; and    -   Leaky Feeder Radio I/O includes power, ground, RF signal.        There are also board level serial and/or Ethernet connections        for software development, debug and factory programming.

Second GPP 301 is the primary controller for FMN 102. From a controllerperspective, it handles all power up initialization, configuration,diagnostics, and all dynamic configuration control for the sensor board.From a data processing perspective, it effectively handles the MAC layerprocessing and upper layers. Data received from the sensor comesdirectly to second GPP 301. The sensor application data is packaged inthe appropriate format, stored, and transferred over a link whenqueried. Error correction codes are used to encode transmit data andcorrect bit errors in the received data. A modulation block provideschannelization between piconets and can also be used as a spreadingcode. A data decode block keeps frame synchronization and uses themodulation codes to perform the appropriate channel decode.

Processing intensive operations are handled in second Location Engine302. Second GPP 301 in general does the decision-making about what to dowith a data frame and control the timing, whereas second Location Engine302 handles the data processing algorithms.

In a preferred embodiment, each FMN 102 supports a network of:

-   -   nodes scattered in pseudo random fashion including GWN 104, FMN        102, MMR 101 and SMN 103 nodes;    -   Route table for IP addresses;    -   multiple environments above and below ground level.    -   Internet standard IPv4 and IPv6;    -   standard Internet protocols including DNS and DHCP for automatic        provisioning;    -   Internet standard NTP for network time distribution;    -   Internet standard SNMP for record-keeping, fault reporting,        diagnostics, application download and configuration;    -   providing the MIB II in accordance with RFC 1213 and registered        with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) as a private        enterprise MIB, structured in accordance with the Structure of        Management Information (SMI) and its objects encoded with        International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) Abstract        Syntax Notation One (ASN.1) method using the Basic Encoding        Rules (BER) to provide access to the functions and associated        variables that support configuration, control, and monitor        functions;    -   Internet security standards for authorization, authentication,        encryption, and key management;    -   private key management;    -   advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption standards; and    -   FIP-140-2 Level 1 compliance.

FMN 102 supports data and voice for the following commercial WirelessMesh waveforms and licensed Wireless Mesh waveforms with variations forthe ad hoc mesh:

-   -   IEEE 802.11;    -   IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth);    -   IEEE 802.15.3a (ultra wideband);    -   IEEE 802.15.4;    -   IEEE 802.15.4a (ultra wideband); and    -   IEEE 802.16        The wireless voice and data network could be adapted to future        developed Wireless Mesh waveforms.

In a preferred embodiment, FMN 102 supports one or more instantiationsof the Wireless Mesh waveforms. The waveforms support quality of service(QoS) to allow mixing of data types such as data, video and digitalvoice on the wireless voice and data network.

FMN 102 operates as a piconet coordinator. FMN 102 may include a wire orfiber Ethernet interface. FMN 102 is capable of operating on batterybackup during the loss of prime power, and retaining all configurationparameters stored or in operation at the time. FMN 102 allows automaticretransmission and routing operations. FMN 102 is approved for emergencyoperation in an underground and hazardous environment such as a coalmine

Mobile Mesh Radio

Each Mobile Mesh Radio MMR 101 comprises an embedded processor, meshradio, audio processor, keypad, display and battery. Each MMR 101generates/receives voice and data packets and transfers information viathe wireless mesh network to FMN's 102, GWN's 104. An MMR can alsotransfer voice and data packets directly to/from other MMR's when an FMNor GWN is not available.

The logical decomposition of functionality of a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. The embedded processoris third digital General Purpose Processor (GPP) 501. Each third meshradio transceiver 502 includes a transmitter, receiver, RF switch andantenna connection. An RF Preselector filter 503 is included to controlthe spectrum of operation. A removable battery 504 provides power forthe unit. An audio processor 505 performs the audio encode/decodefunction, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions. Amicrophone 506, speaker 508 and amplifier 507 provide the user audiointerfaces. A display device 509 and keypad 510 provide the user datainterfaces.

Physical interfaces are as follows:

-   -   Power I/O includes DC power, ground, and temperature sensor to        power interface;    -   Mesh Radio I/O includes power, ground, RF signal;    -   Audio I/O includes microphone in, speaker out and ground; and    -   Visual I/O includes keypad in and display out        There are also board level serial connections for software        development, debug and factory programming

Third GPP 501 is the primary controller for MMR 101. From a controllerperspective it handles all power up initialization, configuration,diagnostics, and all dynamic configuration control for the unit. From adata processing perspective it effectively handles the MAC layerprocessing and upper layers. Data received from the user interface comesdirectly to third GPP 501. The application data is packaged in theappropriate format, stored, and transferred over a link when queried.Error correction codes are used to encode transmit data and correct biterrors in the received data. A modulation block provides channelizationbetween piconets and can also be used as a spreading code. A data decodeblock keeps frame synchronization and uses the modulation codes toperform the appropriate channel decode.

In a preferred embodiment, each MMR 101 supports a network of:

-   -   nodes scattered in pseudo random fashion including GWN 104, FMN        102, MMR 101 and SMN 103 nodes;    -   Route table for IP addresses;    -   multiple environments above and below ground level;    -   Internet standard IPv4 and IPv6;    -   standard Internet protocols including DNS and DHCP for automatic        provisioning;    -   Internet standard NTP for network time distribution;    -   Internet standard SNMP for record-keeping, fault reporting,        diagnostics, application download and configuration;    -   providing the MIB II in accordance with RFC 1213 and registered        with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) as a private        enterprise MIB, structured in accordance with the Structure of        Management Information (SMI) and its objects encoded with        International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) Abstract        Syntax Notation One (ASN.1) method using the Basic Encoding        Rules (BER) to provide access to the functions and associated        variables that support configuration, control, and monitor        functions;    -   Internet security standards for authorization, authentication,        encryption, and key management;    -   private key management;    -   advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption standards; and    -   FIP-140-2 Level 1 compliance.

MMR 101 supports data and voice for the following commercial WirelessMesh waveforms and licensed Wireless Mesh waveforms with variations forthe ad hoc mesh:

-   -   IEEE 802.11;    -   IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth);    -   IEEE 802.15.3a (ultra wideband);    -   IEEE 802.15.4;    -   IEEE 802.15.4a (ultra wideband); and    -   IEEE 802.16        The wireless voice and data network could be adapted to future        developed Wireless Mesh waveforms.

In a preferred embodiment, an MMR 101 supports one or moreinstantiations of the Wireless Mesh waveforms. The waveforms supportquality of service (QoS) to allow mixing of data types such as data,video and digital voice on the wireless voice and data network. MMR 101also operates as a piconet coordinator or piconet client. MMR 101 isfurther capable of retaining all configuration parameters stored whenthe battery is removed. An MMR 101 supports automatic retransmission androuting operations.

Sensor Mesh Node

Each Sensor Mesh Node SMN 103 comprises an embedded processor, meshradio, battery, power supply and sensor. Each SMN 103 generates/receivesdata packets and transfers information via the wireless mesh network toFMN's 102, or GWN's 104. An SMN 103 can also transfer data packetsdirectly to/from an MMR 101 when an FMN 102 or GWN 104 is not available.

The logical decomposition of functionality of a preferred embodiment ofthe present to invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. The embeddedprocessor is fourth digital General Purpose Processor (GPP) 601. Eachfourth mesh radio transceiver 602 includes a transmitter, receiver, RFswitch and antenna connection. An RF Preselector filter 603 is includedto control the spectrum of operation. The power interface includesbackup battery 604, trickle charger/power management 605 and wired powerinterface 606. During the loss of prime power, SMN 103 is capable ofoperating on battery power and retaining all configuration parametersstored or in operation at the time. Sensor 607 provides measuring ofenvironmental data for tracking one or more events. SMN 103 supportsmultiple sensor types such as temperature, pressure, gas, humidity, windspeed, voltage, current, lighting, chemical, biological, radiological,explosive, acoustic, magnetic, seismic, biometric, personnel state,personnel health monitoring, machine state, machine health monitoringand imaging.

Physical interfaces are as follows:

-   -   Power I/O includes DC power, ground, and temperature sensor to        power interface;    -   Mesh Radio I/O includes power, ground, RF signal; and    -   Sensor I/O includes sensor input and ground.        There are also board level serial connections for software        development, debug and factory programming

Fourth GPP 601 is the primary controller for each SMN 103. From acontroller perspective it handles all power up initialization,configuration, diagnostics, and all dynamic configuration control forthe sensor board. From a data processing perspective it effectivelyhandles the MAC layer processing and upper layers. Data received fromthe sensor comes directly to fourth GPP 601. The sensor application datais packaged in the appropriate format, stored, and transferred over alink when queried. Error correction codes are used to encode transmitdata and correct bit errors in the received data. A modulation blockprovides channelization between piconets and can also be used as aspreading code. A data decode block keeps frame synchronization and usesthe modulation codes to perform the appropriate channel decode.

In a preferred embodiment, each SMN 103 supports a network of:

-   -   nodes scattered in pseudo random fashion including GWN 104, FMN        102, and MMR 101 nodes;    -   multiple environments above and below ground level;    -   Internet standard IPv4 and IPv6;    -   standard Internet protocols including DNS and DHCP for automatic        provisioning;    -   Internet standard NTP for network time distribution;    -   Internet standard SNMP for record-keeping, fault reporting,        diagnostics, application download and configuration;    -   providing the MIB II in accordance with RFC 1213 and registered        with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) as a private        enterprise MIB, structured in accordance with the Structure of        Management Information (SMI) and its objects encoded with        International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) Abstract        Syntax Notation One (ASN.1) method using the Basic Encoding        Rules (BER) to provide access to the functions and associated        variables that support configuration, control, and monitor        functions;    -   Internet security standards for authorization, authentication,        encryption, and key management;    -   private key management;    -   advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption standards; and    -   FIP-140-2 Level 1 compliance.

In a preferred embodiment, SMN 103 supports data for the followingcommercial Wireless Mesh waveforms and licensed Wireless Mesh waveformswith variations for the ad hoc mesh:

-   -   IEEE 802.11;    -   IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth);    -   IEEE 802.15.3a (ultra wideband);    -   IEEE 802.15.4;    -   IEEE 802.15.4a (ultra wideband); and    -   IEEE 802.16.        The wireless data network could be adapted to future developed        Wireless Mesh waveforms.

In a preferred embodiment, SMN 103 supports one or more instantiationsof the Wireless Mesh waveforms. The waveforms support quality of service(QoS) to allow mixing of data types on the wireless voice and datanetwork. SMN 103 also operates as a piconet client on the Wireless Mesh.An SMN 103 node supports a low power sleep mode to to conserve power.SMN 103 is further capable of operating on battery backup during theloss of prime power, and retaining all configuration parameters storedor in operation at the time. SMN 103 allows automatic retransmissionoperations.

Node General Characteristics

All nodes have enough memory to support download of a new waveformwithout affecting operation of current waveforms. All waveforms aredown-loadable, locally and over the air, and stored in non-volatilememory.

In general, regardless of type, all nodes have safeguards to reduce thepossibility of unintentional reprogramming and to preclude thepossibility of software storage errors. The operator is notified when alocal or over the air download has successfully completed or failed.Waveforms are authenticated when they are locally or over the airdownloaded into a sensor node. All nodes have storage capacity to storepresets and configuration information for each waveform stored.Provisions are included to prevent instantiating a waveform to animproperly configured channel. Each node provides positive confirmationto the operator following each successful instantiation. All node typessupport:

-   -   automatic provisioning;    -   network time distribution;    -   record-keeping, fault reporting, diagnostics, application        download and configuration;    -   built-in test and diagnostics to verify operation;    -   amplitude, frequency, spatial and time discrimination techniques        for interference and jamming;    -   channel configuration/reconfiguration within the specified        combinations of waveforms identified;    -   changing a channel waveform;    -   changing the channel operating parameters;    -   monitoring channel performance;    -   turning a channel on/off without affecting the operation of        other waveforms; and    -   automatic power control to minimize interference with other        nodes.

After an unexpected power loss, or operator controlled shut down, andupon restoration of power to the radio set(s), each node is capable ofcompleting a components diagnostics test and automatic recovery. A nodetransmitter sustains no damage when the RF output port(s) is open orshorted. A node allows the operator to load time manually orover-the-air.

4. Node Management

In a preferred embodiment the present invention includes an OperationsCenter 105 with a Wireless Mesh Network Management function 701, asshown in FIG. 7, that provides supervision, status and configurationthat is unique to operation of Wireless Mesh Network 100. This mayinclude such functions as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol addressassignment, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for deviceconfiguration and status, security through an Electronic Key ManagementSystem and over-the-air reprogramming (OTAP). Encryption for unattendeddevices is limited to Type III algorithms such as the advancedencryption standard (AES).

This invention also provides a method for managing a system ofmulti-waveform nodes within at least one wireless mesh network (WMN) 100incorporating at least one fixed gateway node 104 and a combination of aplurality of stationary and mobile nodes wherein all of the nodescommunicate through RF links. This system and method are particularlysuited to use in a hazardous or underground area. According to thismethod, site planning is initially performed to determine the optimumlocation of the at least one gateway node 104 and stationary nodes basedon signal strength of RF links and traffic profiles. Each node isconfigured to provide the combination of waveforms and features to besupported by the system. The location of mobile nodes is calculatedusing a geolocation algorithm. This algorithm is based on receivedsignal strength or time of arrival of signals from neighbor nodes todetermine the relative location of a mobile node. The geolocationalgorithm has two parts: a ranging algorithm and a positioningalgorithm. Ranging is the measurement of distance between two nodesbased on RSSI (RF signal strength) or time delay. Ranging algorithms arewell known in the art and have been published in open literature.Positioning is the filtering of multiple ranging measurements to developan accurate location measurement. Such filtering techniques are alsowell known in the art. Prior to system operation commencement, it isassumed that the traffic pattern, i.e. the usage or loading of each FMN102, is uniform. There is background traffic associated with networkoperation and user traffic. Background traffic is fairly constant and isdependent on the number of neighbor nodes which is predictable. Usertraffic varies with the number of users (people with MMRs 101) which istypically measured as average usage and peak usage. Each FMN 102 hasmultiple paths to a Gateway 104. The goal in an ad hoc mesh is tominimize the number of hops to Gateway 104 while maintaining a reliablelink because each hop adds latency and increases loading on each FMN 102in the path. User traffic can be modified by changing configurationparameters and the physical location of a Gateway 104 and FMNs 102.After operation commences, the functioning of each WMN 100 is supervisedto ensure both reliable operation of nodes located therein as well asthe traffic pattern within each WMN 100 to identify congestion. Thetraffic pattern in the system does not remain uniform but rather changesover time. If the peak usage exceeds capacity, the primary path from anFMN 102 to a Gateway 104 can be changed from the WMN manager inOperations Center 105 to reduce loading, an FMN location can be moved oran FMN can be added. Each option affects the traffic pattern with thegoal of reducing latency and peak usage on each FMN. Thus, the WMNtraffic pattern is monitored at the network manager in Operations Center105, and the network configuration can be modified as needed to improveWMN performance. Supervision includes operator displays at multiplelevels enabling a user to drill down from the network level to the nodelevel. If congestion is found or if unreliable nodes are identified, WMN100 is reconfigured using a specified combination of identifiedwaveforms. Reconfiguration of nodes can take one or more forms such aschanging a channel waveform, changing the channel operating parameters;turning a channel on/off without affecting the operation of otherwaveforms and over-the-air reprogramming and/or rekeying. In addition,changing the location of fixed nodes, gateway nodes, node RF linkconnections, node waveform, node RF spectrum may occur duringreconfiguration. Furthermore, power levels may be modified to minimizeinterference with other nodes.

SNMP is used for record-keeping, fault reporting, diagnostics,application downloads and the configuration/reconfiguration process.Internet security standards are provided for authorization,authentication, encryption and key management. With regard to security,advanced encryption standard (AES) is used wherever possible as areprivate key management and distribution. Standard interfaces, such asXML, are provided in Operations Center 105 between WMN manager 701 andvoice dispatch station 702 and network manager 703.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and to described, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes and modifications may be made, andequivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departingfrom the true scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt the teaching of the present inventionto a particular situation without departing from its central scope.Therefore it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out the present invention, but that the present inventioninclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. An automatically self-configuring, scalable RF wireless data andvoice communications system having multi-waveform nodes organized withinat least one ad hoc wireless mesh network (WMN) comprising: at least oneoperations center for each WMN incorporating a wide area network andnetwork management and communication capabilities; at least one gatewaynode operationally connected to said at least one operations center; aplurality of wireless fixed mesh nodes operationally connected to saidgateway node and to each other; at least one mobile mesh radio carriedby personnel operationally connected to at least one of said pluralityof fixed mesh nodes; and at least one wireless sensor mesh nodeoperationally connected to at least one of said plurality of fixed meshnodes.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said operations center islocated remotely from the remaining elements of the system which arelocated in an underground or hazardous area having multiple pathways. 3.The system of claim 2 wherein said fixed mesh nodes are located inmultiple pathways so as to provide redundant RF signal coverage ofapproximately 50% of said nodes.
 4. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a wired backbone head end operationally connected to said atleast one gateway node; and a wired backbone connected to said wiredbackbone head end.
 5. The system of claim 4 further optionallycomprising a wired system for enabling said fixed mesh nodes to connectwith said wired backbone.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein said wiredsystem is a leaky feeder system or a fiber optic system.
 7. The systemof claim 2 wherein at least one said gateway node is located remotelyfrom the hazardous area.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein saidoperations center enables communications with personnel carrying saidmobile mesh radios, provides voice dispatch, displays information aboutthe network and locations of said mobile mesh radios.
 9. The system ofclaim 5 wherein said wired backbone is implemented as a radiatingcoaxial cable with multiple amplifiers placed periodically along itslength.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one sensor meshnode is continuously charged during system operation and include abackup battery.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein each said mobile meshradio is battery-powered.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein each atleast one gateway node is powered by an AC power source and mayoptionally include battery backup power.
 13. The system of claim 1wherein each of said fixed mesh nodes and each of said at least onegateway nodes has multiple mesh radio channels.
 14. The system of claim2 wherein said at least one gateway node is located at each entry pointto the underground or hazardous area.
 15. The system of claim 1 whereineach said at least one wireless gateway node is capable of dynamicallyreconfiguring network communications.
 16. The system of claim 1 whereineach of said at least one operations center incorporates local serversproviding at least one management function selected from the groupconsisting of providing DHCP for IP address assignment, providing SNMPfor device control and security through an EKMS, regulating networkbandwidth and optimizing communications traffic within the system. 17.The system of claim 1 wherein each of said fixed mesh nodes is capableof coordinating individual piconets and of routing data to at least oneof said at least one gateway nodes with one of the at least one wirelessmesh networks.
 18. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said fixed meshnodes, each of said at least one gateway nodes and each of said sensormesh nodes is capable of operating from any one of an AC, DC or batterypower source.
 19. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said at leastone gateway nodes may be either situated at a fixed location or bemobile.
 20. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said at least onesensor mesh nodes collects data from one or more sensors concerning oneor more selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure,gas, humidity, wind speed, voltage, current, lighting, chemical,biological, radiological, explosive, acoustic, magnetic, seismic,biometric, personnel state, personnel health monitoring, machine state,machine health monitoring and imaging and transmits that data to the atleast one wireless mesh network.
 21. The system of claim 1 wherein eachof said at least one sensor mesh node is capable of communicating withany one or more of said fixed mesh nodes, said at least one gateway nodeor said at least one mobile mesh radio.
 22. The system of claim 1wherein each of said at least one mobile mesh radios is capable ofcommunicating with any one or more of said at least one operationscenter and/or other personnel equipped with one of said mobile meshradios.
 23. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said mobile meshradios converts digital data received over an RF link to local analogvoice output and local analog voice input to digital data output fortransmission over an RF link.
 24. The system of claim 2 furthercomprising information means for visually displaying informationentrance and egress instructions to personnel located in the undergroundor hazardous area.
 25. The system of claim 1 wherein all waveforms aredownloadable both locally and via RF transmission and wherein furtherall such waveforms are authenticated and stored in non-volatile memoryupon the successful completion of which confirmation is provided to anoperator.
 26. A gateway wireless node for use in an automaticallyself-configuring, scalable RF wireless data and voice communicationssystem having multi-waveform nodes organized within at least one ad hocwireless mesh network (WMN) and operationally interfaced with at leastone wide area network and a wired backbone head end comprising: a firstgeneral purpose digital processor; a first location engine operationallyconnected to said first general purpose processor; at least one firstmesh radio transceiver operationally connected to said first generalpurpose processor; a power source connected to said first generalpurpose digital processor; an interface to the wide area network; andEthernet management means for managing packet transmission between saidfirst general purpose digital processor and said interface.
 27. The nodeof claim 26 wherein each said first mesh radio transceiver furthercomprises: a transmitter; a receiver operationally connected to saidtransmitter; and an RF switch and antenna connection operationallyconnected to said transmitter and to said receiver.
 28. The node ofclaim 26 further comprising an optional at least one first leaky feederradio transceiver operationally connected to said first general purposeprocessor and to the wired backbone headend.
 29. The node of claim 28wherein each said first leaky feeder radio transceiver furthercomprises: a transmitter; a receiver operationally connected to saidtransmitter; an RF switch and antenna connection operationally connectedto said transmitter and to said receiver; and an RF cable connection tothe wired backbone head end.
 30. The node of claim 26 wherein said powersource further comprises: a trickle charger having power managementcapability and connected to said first general purpose digitalprocessor; a wired power interface connected at its input to a DC powersource and at its output to said trickle charger; and a backup batteryconnected to said trickle charger.
 31. The node of claim 26 wherein saidinterface further comprises at least one of: a wired interface; a fiberinterface; or a wireless interface.
 32. The node of claim 26 wherein thenode is interfaced with at least two or more wide area networks forredundant operation and to increase reliability.
 33. The node of claim26 wherein the node is capable of simultaneous operation on the widearea network and the wireless mesh without degradation of theperformance of any operating waveform and further simultaneouslysupports both a primary and a secondary wide area network waveformswitching between the primary and secondary waveform as needed.
 34. Afixed mesh node for use in an automatically self-configuring, scalableRF wireless data and voice communications system having multi-waveformnodes organized within at least one ad hoc wireless mesh network (WMN)and operationally interfaced with at least one gateway node comprising:a second general purpose digital processor; a second location engineoperationally connected to said second general purpose processor; atleast one second mesh radio transceiver operationally connected to saidsecond general purpose processor; and a power source connected to saidfirst general purpose digital processor.
 35. The node of claim 34wherein each said second mesh radio transceiver further comprises: atransmitter; a receiver operationally connected to said transmitter; andan RF switch and antenna connection operationally connected to saidtransmitter and to said receiver.
 36. The node of claim 34 furthercomprising an optional at least one second leaky feeder radiotransceiver operationally connected to said second general purposeprocessor and to a wired backbone.
 37. The node of claim 36 wherein eachsaid second leaky feeder radio transceiver further comprises: atransmitter; a receiver operationally connected to said transmitter; andan RF switch and antenna connection operationally connected to saidtransmitter, said receiver and said wired backbone.
 38. The node ofclaim 34 wherein said power source further comprises: a trickle chargerhaving power management capability and connected to said first generalpurpose digital processor; a wired power interface connected at itsinput to a DC power source and at its output to said trickle charger;and a backup battery connected to said trickle charger.
 39. Abattery-powered mobile mesh radio for use in an automaticallyself-configuring, scalable RF wireless data and voice communicationssystem having multi-waveform nodes organized within at least one ad hocwireless mesh network (WMN) and operationally interfaced with at leastone wide area network comprising: a third general purpose digitalprocessor; at least one third mesh radio transceiver operationallyconnected to said third general purpose digital processor; an RFpreselect filter operationally connected to said third mesh radiotransceiver; an audio processor operationally connected to said thirdgeneral purpose digital processor; a microphone operationally connectedto said audio processor; an amplifier operationally connected to saidaudio processor; a speaker operationally connected to said amplifier; adisplay device operationally connected to said third general purposedigital processor; and a keyboard operationally connected to said thirdgeneral purpose digital processor.
 40. The mobile mesh radio of claim 39wherein each said third mesh radio transceiver further comprises: atransmitter; a receiver operationally connected to said transmitter; andan RF switch and antenna connection operationally connected to saidtransmitter and to said receiver.
 41. A sensor mesh node for use in anautomatically self-configuring, scalable RF wireless data and voicecommunications system having multi-waveform nodes organized within atleast one ad hoc wireless mesh network (WMN) and operationallyinterfaced with at least one wide area network comprising: a fourthgeneral purpose digital processor; a fourth mesh radio transceiveroperationally connected to said fourth general purpose digitalprocessor; an RF preselect filter operationally connected to said thirdmesh radio transceiver; and a power source connected to said fourthgeneral purpose digital processor.
 42. The node of claim 41 wherein eachsaid fourth mesh radio transceiver further comprises: a transmitter; areceiver operationally connected to said transmitter; and an RF switchand antenna connection operationally connected to said transmitter andto said receiver.
 43. The node of claim 41 wherein said power sourcefurther comprises: a trickle charger having power management capabilityand connected to said first general purpose digital processor; a wiredpower interface connected at its input to a DC power source and at itsoutput to said trickle charger; and a backup battery connected to saidtrickle charger.
 44. A method for managing a scalable communicationssystem having multi-waveform nodes within at least one wireless meshnetwork (WMN) incorporating at least one fixed gateway node and aplurality of stationary and mobile nodes, all having an initiallyassumed uniform traffic pattern wherein all of the nodes communicatethrough RF links over a known RF spectrum and the combination ofwaveforms and features supported by the system are known comprising:configuring each of the nodes to provide the combination of waveformsand features supported by the system; determining the signal strength ofthe RF link and the traffic profile at the proposed locations of the atleast one gateway node and at each of the plurality of stationary nodes;optimizing first the location of each of the at least one gateway nodeand each of the plurality of stationary nodes by maximizing the signalstrength of the RF link and the assumed traffic pattern for each suchnode; optimizing second the location of each of the mobile nodes basedon a geolocation algorithm; after operation commences, supervising thefunctioning of each WMN to ensure both reliable operation of nodeslocated therein and to identify traffic pattern congestion within eachWMN; and reconfiguring any WMN in which either congestion is found orunreliable nodes are identified.
 45. The method of claim 44 whereinreconfiguring is accomplished using a specified combination ofidentified waveforms.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein reconfiguringoccurs using one or more selected from the group consisting of changinga channel waveform, changing channel operating parameters, turning achannel on/off without affecting the operation of other waveforms,over-the-air reprogramming and/or rekeying, changing the location ofstationary nodes and/or gateway nodes and/or node RF link connections,changing one or more node waveforms and/or a node RF spectrum, andmodifying power levels to minimize interference with other nodes. 47.The method of claim 44 wherein SNMP is used for record-keeping, faultreporting, diagnostics, application downloads, configuring andreconfiguring.
 48. The method of claim 44 wherein Internet securitystandards are provided for authorization, authentication, encryption andkey management.
 49. The method of claim 48 wherein advanced encryptionstandard (AES) is used wherever possible.
 50. The method of claim 48wherein private key management and distribution are used for Internetsecurity.
 51. The method of claim 44 in which each WMN is managedthrough an Operations Center having a WMN manager, a voice dispatchstation and a network manager.
 52. The method of claim 51 whereinstandard interfaces, such as XML, are provided in each operations centerbetween the WMN manager and the voice dispatch station and the networkmanager.